S-Helper Service Locomotive | 2-8-0 | Mechanical

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Product Category:

Locomotive

Model Name:

2-8-0

Notes Type:

Mechanical

Title:

Gear Replacement

External Web Link:

NWSL #2930-6

Notes:

This is Don Thompson's advice:
"I am not sure that all 2-8-0 gears would crack. We only had 2 out of 1,500 engines with that problem when we closed shop in 2013. Have more cracked since then? Yes! I am not sure if it is a material problem with the injection of the Celcon gear (depending on when the gear was injected, the mold could have been too hot or cold, or the cycle time changed during injection, the cooling water for the mold flow changed; so many possibilities), or maybe the axle diameter varies so that a difference would cause stress in the plastic gear. I am pretty sure this is not an operation problem as the Cincinnati Museum was running multiple 2-8-0s 10 hours a day, 7 days a week for years. The 2-8-0 models were produced in two batches, plus we had over 100 AF-compatible driver sets reset to code 110 before assembly. We tried to track the two engines we repaired but we could not really tell when they were crafted in China. To me the important thing is that NWSL has made replacement gears. If you are truly worried, purchase some. A $14.95 investment is not too bad of an insurance on a $600 investment!" (ed: 2016 prices)

The original S-Helper Service replacement part was #1096-09-04 (back when Dave's Twacks & Trains took over the replacement parts inventory).

Dave Held and Dan Vandermause both report that NorthWest ShortLine has the parts necessary to replace a broken gear in these locomotives. Remove the driver from the engine, and send it to NWSL to have them replace it for you for parts and labor ($70+).

If you are brave and have the tools and time to do the work yourself, then order the replacement gear NWSL part #2930-6. Dan recommends that you order one for each 2-8-0 you have, just in case they develop this problem in the future.